Lacombe is a historic town, located approximately 30km north of Red Deer. The community of Lacombe was named for Father Albert Lacombe, a dedicated and visionary Catholic priest. His statue stands in the downtown area (50th Avenue & 51st Street).
This historic town is a wonderful place to visit as a day trip from Calgary or Edmonton or as part of your weekend getaway trip to Central Alberta.
There is no lack of things to do in Lacombe, and it is a fun trip for all ages, from the nature enthusiast to the history buff. There are lots of activities for a fun family trip including corn mazes and sandy beaches.
Attractions and activities that are never short on fun for your itinerary include:
Lacombe Corn Maze
A fun family farm operated by the Kraay family. Attractions include 15 acres of corn maze, 40+ fun farm activities, petting zoo and more! Open from end of July to October. More about the farm.
Gull Lake
Gull Lake is a popular recreational lake with about 206 sq. km with sandy beaches. Almost all fun water activities is allowed here and Gull lake is one of best ice fishing spots in Alberta. More about the lake.
Ellis Bird Farm
Open from May end to September long weekend, this bird farm is dedicated to the conservation of Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and other native bird species. The farm has a Visitor Centre, a teahouse, extensive gardens and a walking trail that is wheelchair accessible. Free. More about the farm.
J.J. Collett Natural Area
Spot a variety of bird species and animals like coyotes, porcupines when hiking through the 635 acres of aspen and spruce forest, meadows and sand dunes that constitutes JJ Collett Natural area. In the winter, it is a popular destination for cross-country skiers.
Direction to the JJ Collett Natural area: GPS coordinates: 52.559917,-113.640532 / 52° 33′ 38.80″, -113° 37′ 38.48″
11km northeast of Lacombe – drive north on Hwy. 2A, turn east onto Milton Road for 3.5km, left at Range Road 26-2 for 3.2km, then right for 0.7km to the entrance gate
Hours and admission: Open year-round • Admission by donation
Ph : 403-782-6353 or 403-782-1178. More about the natural area.
The Flat Iron Building and Lacombe Interpretive Centre
Restored in 2002, this 1904 built three sided building is one of the three such structures in Western Canada. History of Lacombe is displayed through artifacts and photographs kept in the Lacombe Interpretive Centre located on the main floor.
Location : 5005 50th Avenue, Lacombe. GPS coordinates : 52.463047,-113.731247
Phone: 403-782-9344
Admission and Hours: Tues – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM; Admission by donation
Michener House Museum
Wooden house dating to 1896 , which was the birth place of Roland Michener, who served as Canada’s Governor General from 1967 to 1974 is now a museum and community archive.
Location : 5036 51st Street, Lacombe
GPS coordinates : 52.464397,-113.731982. Phone: 403-782-3933
Hours and admission: Tues – Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM. Admission by donation. More about Michener House museum
Blacksmith Shop Museum
Visit this blacksmith shop, which was built in 1902.Working blacksmiths take you back in time creating their wares using turn-of-the century hand forging techniques. This is one of the two blacksmith shops in Alberta, which is still standing in its original site.
Location: 5020 49th Street, Lacombe.
GPS coordinates: 52.463702,-113.729085 Phone 403-782-9344
Hours and Admission: Tours consist either of a demonstration and/or guided tour. To visit the Blacksmith Shop Museum contact the Lacombe & District Historical society. Tours are only available during the summer and fall months. • Admission by donation
Billyco junction garden
Make this farm part of your trip and go home with plenty of fresh organic berries and fruits.
Take a leisurely walk through out the grounds; enjoy a number of native trees, birds and wild life.
There is a cafe too which offers homemade soups, fresh garden salads, homemade breads and desserts. More about the garden.
Historic Town Walking Tour
Explore the historic downtown Lacombe, hear about the interesting historical stories, murals that depict Lacombe between 1890 – 1910. More about the guided tour.
Golf
Click on the Club name for its website
Lacombe Golf & Country Club -18 holes, GPS coordinates : 52.464507757695,-113.7591791152
Phone : 403-782-3951
The Nursery Golf & Country Club – 18 holes, GPS coordinates : 52.50672,-113.744761
Phone: 403-782-5400
Wolf Creek Golf Resort– 27 Holes Phone: 403-783-6050,1-866-783-6050
Events & Festivals
Lacombe Days ~last weekend of July) : With something for everyone, you won’t want to miss the parade, pancake breakfasts, Show and Shine, fireworks and so much more during Lacombe Days.
Lacombe Culture & Harvest Festival: In September – This 3-day Festival is a celebration of the Agricultural Heritage and will showcase the Arts and Culture of our lively, vibrant, and diverse community. There will be fun for the whole family with plenty of feasting, merriment, and live performances.
Shop, Eat, Stay
For more attractions in Lacombe – here
For places to stay in Lacombe: Honeyberry B&B at Billyco Junction Gardens, For other places –here
For local eats in Lacombe –here
For antique shopping in Lacombe- here